Intal

Intal is an anti-inflammatory drug used to prevent asthma symptoms from manifesting. Chronic Cromolyn use can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations or attacks. This medication is also used to prevent bronchospasms before exposure to triggers like exercise and allergens. However, cromolyn is not indicated for the treatment of bronchospasm symptoms like difficulty in breathing or wheezing.

For better asthma treatment, Cromolyn is also used alongside corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators.

This medication stops the occurrence of symptoms by preventing certain cells from excreting asthma/bronchospasm-mediating substances. Be informed and read the patient information sheet that comes with the medication. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

This medication is only available with a physician’s prescription and is usually marketed as a solution, capsule, and aerosol liquid/powder.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Intal.

Before starting treatment with cromolyn, you and your physician need to have a discussion about the risks and benefits involved. There are other factors you need to consider as well. Inform your physician if you’ve had allergic reactions to similar medications or to ingredients of cromolyn. You also need to disclose information about allergies to other things including food, dyes, animals, and other medications.

There are pediatric considerations that should be implemented.

Cromolyn inhalation solution is contraindicated in patients less than 2 years old. Inhalation aerosol is contraindicated for children less than 5 years old.

This medication is expected to work the same way in geriatric patients as in younger adults.

Use of cromolyn in pregnant women hasn’t been adequately studied. The same holds true for breastfeeding women. Therefore, it needs to be used with caution in this population.

Cromolyn can also interact with other medications. Make sure your physician knows what other medicines you are taking so that he/she can either adjust your dose or choose a different kind of treatment.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about certain foods you need to avoid while on cromolyn therapy. This medication may exacerbate heart disease.

To use Intal properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Again, cromolyn is not effective in treatment asthma attacks that have already begun. It is used to prevent the symptoms from occurring. For maximum effect, take this medication regularly and as directed by your physician. Using more or less could lead to unwanted side effects. Ask your healthcare team to demonstrate the proper administration of cromolyn using an inhaler. There are different ways to administer cromolyn depending on the form you are using.

Dosage and timing are individualized and depends on your condition. Follow your physician’s instructions diligently.

• For the prevention of asthma symptoms using inhalation aerosol, patients are usually instructed to take 2 puffs, 4 times a day.
• For the prevention of bronchospasm using the same form, 2 puffs 10 to 15 minutes before exposure to triggers like allergens and exercise.

Discuss with your healthcare professional the other methods of medication administration. If you miss a dose, take it immediately. However, skip it and resume normal timing if the next schedule is near.

Keep Cromolyn at room temperature and away from extreme temperature.

In using Intal, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse within a month after starting cromolyn. Do not abruptly stop taking your corticosteroids or bronchodilators even if the symptoms subside. Only do so if instructed by your physician.

This medication can cause dry mouth and throat. Prevent these by gargling or drinking water after each dose.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Intal.

Cromolyn has several side effects. The most reported ones include:

• throat irritation, bad taste, cough, nausea, and wheezing. These may or may not need medical attention

As for untoward reactions, the common ones are:

• bronchospasm, cough, nasal congestion, wheezing, and pharyngeal irritation.

Uncommon adverse reactions include:

• angioedema, anaphylaxis, nausea and headache, dizziness, joint swelling and pain, dysuria and urinary frequency, lacrimation, swollen parotid gland, rash, urticaria, substernal burning, pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia and myopathy.

Get immediate medical attention if you experience those symptoms.